As any beauty addict knows, the phrase “cheap makeup” is basically an oxymoron. With low prices usually comes low quality, right? Think again. With hundreds of dollars worth of matte lipstick and eye shadow palettes on my Sephora wishlist, it can be devastating to be harshly reminded of my “college student on a budget” financial status by my not-so-hot bank statement. Luckily for me, after years of experience with bargain hunting, I have rounded up some awesome hidden gems of the cheap makeup side of the beauty industry.
Growing in popularity as drugstore beauty becomes a huge market, NYX has quickly become a fan favorite. With matte lipsticks, palettes and face products like concealer, blush and bronzer, NYX is a force to be reckoned with.
Pricing: All products are under $35
While Smashbox may not be the first brand that comes to mind when you think of “cheap” makeup”, it definitely has some affordable yet super high-quality options such as their travel size products and the mini versions of their most popular eyeshadow palettes! If you’ve ever wanted to give Smashbox a try, now is the time!
*You can also score exclusive savings by shopping here and using code SOCIETY19 at checkout to receive 20% off your purchase!
As its name suggests, e.l.f. carries a whole range of products for eyes, lips and face. With major name recognition, e.l.f. has been able to remain its reputation as a tried-and-true favorite for drugstore makeup addicts.
Pricing: Lip products range from $1-5, face products are under $11
A European-based company, Essence has really peaked the beauty industry’s interest in recent years. The company aims to provide beauty lovers (that’s you!) with the highest quality products for affordable prices. It’s definitely one of the major players in the cheap makeup industry due to its extensive amount of lip products.
Pricing: All products are under $20
Physician’s Formula is another brand that you might recognize if you frequent the drugstore beauty aisle. As a brand that seeks to “marry health and glamour,” their products are great for sensitive skin. Physician’s Formula carries the #1 bronzer in America. They pride their brand on providing high quality, natural products that are within reach for the average consumer.
Pricing: All products are under $25
Barry M is a London-based line of quirky and cute products. Their range of products includes palettes, contour sets, lipstick and mascara. All sold in super cute and bright colored packaging!
Pricing: All products are under $15
Although it may not be the chicest pick from Sephora’s massive selection, the Sephora brand products are a baller-on-a-budget’s dream. They are high-quality, trendy and classic, all within an affordable price range. Personal favorites include their lip liners, liquid eyeliners and lip stains.
Pricing: Lipsticks are all under $16, and face powders are under $25
BH Cosmetics proves that cheap makeup doesn’t have to mean “wear it once and throw it away” makeup. Their selection of gorgeous eye shadow palettes, lip color and face products are the perfect addition to any beauty addict’s collection. Plus, they’ve partnered with beauty-obsessed celebs like Ashley Tisdale to keep on top of and ahead of major trends.
Pricing: Eye shadow palettes are all under $20
When the beauty bloggers got their hands on Kylie Jenner’s infamous Lip Kits for the first time, a battle for finding the best dupe ensued. Whoever found ColourPop exposed their glorious liquid matte lipsticks to the world. Thus the online beauty brand was hurdled into the spotlight. Their liquid mattes are a perfect dupe for Kylie’s Lip Kits, but are about $30 cheaper. ColourPop’s super smooth lipsticks and shimmery eye shadows are just the beginning of what is quickly becoming a major game-changer for the beauty industry.
Pricing: Lip products are all under $6
Hard Candy has made a name for themselves in the makeup industry through their bold, shimmery packaging, love for metallic and all things glitter while remaining classy and chic enough for the everyday girl. Not to mention, their prices are super affordable! If you’re looking for a new highlighter, bold eyeshadow, or some sparkly blush to make those cheekbones pop, Hard Candy is your one stop shop!
Pricing: Most products sit around $10 or below
Holika Holika is a South Korean beauty line that pays close attention to detail. From heart-shaped lipsticks to cult-classic BB creams, Holika Holika is definitely one to check out.
Pricing: Lip products are under $15
Unsurprisingly, Peripera is named after a Persian fairy named Peri, which makes it somehow that much cuter. The brand carries brightly packaged lip glosses and tints, eyeliners and the cutest blush you’ve ever seen.
Pricing: All products are $16 or less
TONYMOLY is a South Korean brand that specializes in eco-friendly makeup for beauty lovers on a budget. The brand’s name loosely translates to “stylish packaging” and their seriously adorable packaging definitely lives up to that title. They’re known for their adorable beauty masks (and maybe for their love of pandas, too.)
Pricing: All products are under $25
Cargo is a classic one-stop brand for all of your beauty needs. They carry lipsticks, eyeliners and face products, but what really makes them stand out is their line of waterproof makeup. Their “Swimmables” collection includes waterproof eyeliner, lip liners and blush, guaranteed to survive a day in the pool.
Pricing: All products are under $30
Okay, I know, totally not a secret…but it’s just too good to not include. Revlon has been providing makeup junkies with a drugstore go-to for what seems like forever, and for good reason. Their reputation of high quality products continues to impress with lines of “photo ready” face makeup, nail polishes and all of the lip colors you could ever dream of.
Pricing: Most products are under $15
With Eva Mendes at the helm, Circa Beauty is way more than what you would expect from a cheap makeup brand. The collection boasts a flawless selection of high performance products like foundation, eyeshadow, lip colors and mascara. All within the price range of someone who *isn’t* married to Ryan Gosling.
Pricing: All products are under $20
Remember that crazy blue eyeshadow you used to wear to school in sixth grade? There’s a very real chance that it was a wet n wild shadow you snuck into your mom’s basket at the drugstore. Wet n wild recognizes their history, and uses this strong brand recognition to continue to impress with their vivid, high quality products. Oh, and did I mention they are totally cruelty-free? Among my favorites are the Megaglo highlighters and their shimmer palettes.
Pricing: All products are under $10
An established name in the beauty industry, Jordana focuses on all things fun, fierce and affordable. With 18 shades of matte lipstick and trendy new collections being launched frequently, Jordana is an answered prayer for any beauty addict’s hurting wallet.
Pricing: All products are under $10
As its name suggests, Milani is an Italian-inspired collection of luxurious makeup. Milani has a sprawling selection of cheap makeup products. This includes rich lipsticks, face makeup and eye shadows, all geared towards all kinds of makeup lovers.
Pricing: All products are under $10
Bourjois is a French line that is credited with the creation of powder blush for wholesale. This collection is classic, chic and timeless, with a focus on femininity for the masses.
Pricing: All products are under $20
Boasting over a million followers on Instagram, L.A. Girl Cosmetics is not messing around. Their vibrant and ultra-chic products are the real deal for any trendsetting makeup addicts on the hunt for cheap makeup. Whether you’re looking for makeup palettes, face products or lip products, they have it all.
Pricing: All products are under $10
*This is a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.
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